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Classic Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing: Easy 20-Minute Recipe

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This classic pasta salad with Italian dressing is a quick, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and weeknight dinners. The secret is marinating the warm pasta in the dressing for incredible flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (16 oz) rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup store-bought Italian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the store-bought Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a few grinds of black pepper. Shake or whisk until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Drain and rinse the pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander. Rinse with cold water until cool to the touch. Shake well to remove excess water.
  4. Marinate the warm pasta: Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. While still slightly warm, pour about three-quarters of the dressing over it. Toss well to coat. Let sit for 5-10 minutes while prepping vegetables.
  5. Prep the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the black olives. If using mozzarella pearls, leave whole; if using a block, cut into small cubes.
  6. Combine everything: Add the prepared vegetables, olives, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan to the bowl with the marinated pasta. Pour the remaining dressing over the top. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
  7. Season and adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra vinegar as needed.
  8. Chill before serving (if time allows): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, marinate the pasta while warm to allow it to absorb the dressing. If making ahead, reserve extra dressing to revive the salad before serving. Add cheese last if making ahead to prevent sogginess. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian dressing, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, summer side dish, cold pasta salad

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/classic-pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing-easy-20-minute-recipe/